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Celebrating African Heritage at Arts in the Parks

By Cynthiya Sri

As we arrive at the halfway point of our 2024 season of Arts in the Parks, our city has become a beautiful canvas of diversity and cultural artistic expression. Significantly, the weekend of July 6th-7th, we experienced a celebration of African heritage and arts through three memorable events. Hosted by ICONS Dance Group, African Woman Acting, and Abebe Atlebachew & Team, each event was a vibrant showcase of culture and creativity that defines our community. 
Kicking off our weekend journey on Saturday, July 6th was ICONS Dance Group at Bell Manor Park in Etobicoke. Led by a talented group of Afro-Caribbean women, ICONS launched their “The Power of Movement” series with a dynamic first session. Participants of all ages and backgrounds got to explore the physical and mental benefits of dance by diving into the rhythms of various Afro-Caribbean dance styles. Starting off with dancehall and chutney, and then continued to Caribbean folk under the guidance of dancer and professor Shelly Ann. ‘The Power of Movement’ was such a vibrant gathering that brought together families, children, dancers, and many curious park-visitors, allowing them all to participate in a celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture within the heart of their neighborhood. ICONS will be returning to Bell Manor park on Saturday, July 20th, Saturday, August 10th, and Saturday, August 24th, all from 12pm-2pm.

Photo ID: A group of people joyfully participating in a dance workshop, in a park of green field and trees in the background, led by Shelly Ann, who stands in front demonstrating the dance moves. Photo courtesy of ICONS.

At the same time, at Raymore Park in Etobicoke, African Woman Acting (AWA) continued their impactful ‘AWA Arts in the Parks’ series with their third session. AWA brought the community together through a lively Djembe drumming circle, led by expert Karen Lawrence, where participants immersed themselves in the rhythms of Djembe drumming, exploring sequences, harmonized rhythms, and call-and-response techniques. Following the drumming circle, was a Maori Haka dance lesson, led by expert Glenn Cruz, focusing on unity and celebration through basic movements and cultural significance. As well as instilling strength, respect, honor, discipline, focus, emotions, and control as a lasting impression on all who joined. AWA’s mission to empower and nurture artists through cultural initiatives shone brightly and left a lasting impression of community bonding through African music and dance.

Photo ID: A group of people in a circle happily participating in the Djembe drumming circle led by instructor Karen Lawrence, on a green field in the park. Photo by Kat Rizza.

The journey continued into Sunday, July 7th, at the Prairie Drive Park in Scarborough, with Abebe Atlebachew and his team’s ‘Circus and Cultural Ethiopian Dance Show.’ Draped with colourful Ethiopian attire and presenting eye-opening refugee stories, Abebe and his team of Ethiopian newcomer performers took the audience on a captivating journey of their history and culture. Stories of resilience and hope from different Ethiopian regions were told through their dynamic circus acts and traditional dance forms, accompanied by cultural Ethiopian music. Not only was it a performance, but it was also a transformative experience that united different generations and cultural backgrounds within the community to celebrate and appreciate Ethiopian heritage.

Photo ID: Abebe Atlebachew and his team of 7 artists standing happily in a line with their hands joined together, as they prepare for their final bow to the audience in front of their colourful circus tent in the park. Photo by Kat Rizza.

Throughout the weekend of July 6th-7th, these events were beyond workshops and performances. They were captivating expressions of cultural history and unity with our community. These three events showcased a rich variety of African arts and heritage and brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and learn them. As we continue forward into 2024’s season of Arts in the Parks, we continue to cherish and celebrate our diverse community and the beautiful lessons we receive through the power of art. Make sure you join our journey as we continue to explore, learn, and celebrate the many different cultures and artistic expressions within our city!

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